Buying a Mid-Flight Snack on United Airlines Just Got a Little Easier

Fortunately, United just reversed that policy. The airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure earlier this week that as of November 18, 2024, travelers do not need the United App or a saved credit card to pay. Now, travelers can use any tap-to-pay method for treating themselves on board United flights, including actual cards, iPhones or other smartphones, or even devices like Apple watches. All domestic flights in the US now have that feature, though it’s not available on all international flights. Fortunately, United offers complimentary wine and beer for all guests (including economy passengers) on most international flights, as well as one or two meals on flights to or “from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the South Pacific and select destinations in Latin America.”

On domestic United flights, this is about as much as economy-class passengers will get without paying. Photo: Deutschlandreform/Shutterstock

However, there is a reason you may want to keep the app handy, at least if you’re a frequent flyer: United allows passengers to buy food and drinks using miles. It’s convenient for people who have more miles than they need, but aren’t keen to pay $10 for a cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting. But it’s not always the best deal. For example, the same cinnamon roll costs 1,180 miles, which an online frequent flyer miles calculator estimates is equivalent to about $14. You can also use miles to pay for on-board Wi-Fi on domestic flights, at a cost of 800 miles or $8 (or $10, if you’re not a MileagePlus member).